Friday, February 4, 2011

Q & A: Covering chair cushions with laminated cotton

Question: I am considering re-doing some old chairs that currently have oilcloth on their seats. They would be used in a very active kitchen (which includes three kids). How would cotton laminate hold up as opposed to oilcloth?

Kelly: While laminated cotton is not as thick as oilcloth, I do think that it will work. It's thin and supple, but it's still strong. I think it would last longer than if you were to use a medium weight cotton fabric.

If I were to try this, I would add a layer of fusible interfacing. I've had some luck using fusible Heat Bond on the back of laminated cotton. You need to use a dry iron, set on medium heat, and be sure to use a press cloth or the laminate will melt!! The interfacing would increase the longevity of the cotton laminate for use as seat cushions.

I am a big fan of going with the unexpected when it comes to easy projects like seat covers, and I like to change things every couple of years. I don't think you'd be unhappy if you used the laminated cotton.

Check out this fun bath bench from the brilliantly talented Prudent Baby gals! I'll email them and see how this cute bench has held up and report back to you all ASAP!

1 comment:

I hope you don't mind, but I wanted to leave a comment about what is going on in our town this weekend that everyone can participate in. For 36 years, we have had a 4 day auction raising money for the children of St. Jude Children's hospital. Go to www.mindenstjude.com to see the items we will be raffling all weekend and go shopping, PLEASE!

Great Ideas for Oilcloth

Oilcloth Safety

Please note that the recent Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) prohibits oilcloth garments such as bibs and aprons or toys for children. While there are no heavy metals in oilcloth, it does contain Phthalates, which softens the plastic coating used to manufacture Oilcloth. With this in mind it may not be suited for Snack Bags and Sandwich Wraps especially for children. I suggest using the more family friendly Laminated Cottons. Also note we plan to expand our selection of this new lux oilcloth in the near future.

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Oilcloth Addict brings you a team of people dedicated to offering you creative uses for oilcloth. Because you always have to be crafty!